1. Introduction
Ethical governance rests on four foundational principles — Impartiality, Integrity, Non-Partisanship and Dedication to Public Service. These values ensure that public administration remains fair, neutral, honest, constitutional and citizen-centric, especially in environments where political pressure, social diversity and administrative challenges are high.
Civil servants are the permanent and politically neutral arm of the state. Their conduct determines the credibility, trust and legitimacy of governance.
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2. Impartiality
Impartiality means treating all citizens fairly, equitably and without bias, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, political affiliation or socio-economic background. It ensures that decisions are based purely on law, facts, procedure and public interest.
A. Forms of Impartiality
- Administrative Impartiality: Rule-based, neutral, objective functioning.
- Social Impartiality: No discrimination based on caste, religion, ethnicity or language.
- Political Impartiality: Equal treatment irrespective of political affiliation.
- Procedural Impartiality: Uniform processes & standards applied to everyone.
B. Why Impartiality Matters in Governance
- Ensures justice and equal opportunities
- Prevents misuse of authority
- Protects weaker and marginalised groups from discrimination
- Strengthens public trust in state institutions
- Maintains neutrality in politically sensitive environments
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3. Integrity
Integrity is the unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles in both personal and professional life. It represents a consistency between one’s values, decisions and actions, even when facing pressure or temptation.
A. Components of Integrity
- Honesty: Truthfulness in communication and behaviour
- Uprightness: Moral courage in difficult circumstances
- Consistency: Ethical behaviour across different situations
- Transparency: Openness in procedure and decision-making
- Wholeness of Character: No conflict between private and public morality
B. Integrity vs Honesty vs Probity
| Concept | Meaning | Administrative Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Honesty | Truthfulness in words & actions | Prevents deceptive or fraudulent behaviour |
| Integrity | Consistency between values & behaviour | Builds long-term trust in institutions |
| Probity | Integrity + adherence to high moral standards | Ensures ethical decision-making in public office |
C. Why Integrity Is Critical
- Promotes public trust in government
- Reduces corruption and misconduct
- Strengthens accountability and transparency
- Ensures decisions are ethical, lawful and just
- Creates a culture of honesty within departments
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4. Non-Partisanship
Non-partisanship means complete political neutrality in public service. A non-partisan civil servant performs duties with professionalism and fairness, regardless of which political party is in power. It ensures that governance does not depend on political favoritism, but on constitutional values and administrative ethics.
A. Features of Non-Partisanship
- No political allegiance in official functioning
- No ideological bias in policy implementation
- Equal treatment to ruling and opposition members
- Maintaining confidentiality and neutrality in sensitive matters
- Serving governments professionally regardless of personal views
B. Why Non-Partisanship Matters
- Preserves institutional trust and stability
- Prevents politicisation of administration
- Ensures continuity across changing governments
- Strengthens democratic accountability
- Maintains fairness in elections and public services
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5. Dedication to Public Service
Dedication to public service refers to a civil servant’s deep-rooted commitment to serve society selflessly, prioritising public welfare over personal gain. This value reflects the Public Service Motivation (PSM) essential for ethical and responsive governance.
A. Core Dimensions of Public Service Dedication
- Altruism: Placing citizens’ well-being at the centre
- Responsiveness: Acting quickly and sensitively in public needs
- Duty Consciousness: Upholding constitutional responsibilities
- Compassion: Helping vulnerable and marginalised citizens
- Commitment: Persistence even in difficult circumstances
B. How Dedication Improves Governance
- Enhances welfare delivery and last-mile implementation
- Improves trust between citizens and administration
- Reduces bureaucratic apathy
- Strengthens disaster response and crisis leadership
- Promotes inclusive and compassionate policymaking
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6. Threats to Impartiality, Integrity, Non-Partisanship & Dedication
Civil servants often operate in politically charged, resource-constrained and socially complex environments. This can lead to ethical erosion unless the officer consciously protects their moral compass.
Common Threats
- Political interference in transfers, postings, and decisions
- Pressure from interest groups seeking favours
- Corruption networks and entrenched lobbies
- Social stereotypes that influence judgment
- Media pressure or public outrage leading to hasty decisions
- Peer pressure inside departments to “go with the system”
- Burnout due to emotional fatigue from constant demands
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7. Strengthening Ethical Values: Tools & Mechanisms
A. Institutional Tools
- Code of Conduct & Code of Ethics
- Conduct Rules for Civil Servants
- Lokpal, CVC, CAG & Vigilance Systems
- Transparent recruitment, promotion & transfer policies
B. Behavioural Tools
- Ethical leadership by seniors
- Role modelling and mentoring
- Reflective practice & self-regulation
- Commitment to constitutional values
C. Systemic Tools
- Digitised systems reducing human discretion
- Social audits, Jan Sunwai, public hearings
- Open data and RTI-supported transparency
- Citizen feedback dashboards
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8. Application in Public Administration
A. Welfare Delivery
Impartiality ensures equitable distribution of benefits; integrity prevents leakages; non-partisanship avoids political capture of schemes; dedication ensures outreach to vulnerable households.
B. Law & Order
Neutral, unbiased policing reduces communal tensions, protects marginalised groups and prevents selective enforcement of laws.
C. Elections
A non-partisan civil service is essential for free, fair, and credible elections.
D. Policy Implementation
Integrity and impartiality ensure honest execution and transparency in procurement, project monitoring and decision-making.
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9. SMART SUMMARY – Quick Revision Table
| Value | Meaning | Governance Role |
|---|---|---|
| Impartiality | Fair, unbiased treatment | Ensures justice & equal opportunities |
| Integrity | Moral uprightness & consistency | Prevents corruption; builds trust |
| Non-Partisanship | Political neutrality | Strengthens democracy & institutional stability |
| Public Service Dedication | Commitment to welfare of citizens | Improves service delivery & inclusion |
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10. One-Page Concept Map
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